Nia Evans has been named the Secretary / Treasurer of the Jackson Parish Police Jury. Evans takes over the position after previously serving in various positions, including as the director, for 25 years with the Jackson Parish Sales Tax Agency.
“I am honored to serve as the Secretary Treasurer of Jackson Parish and am eager to contribute to the community’s financial health and operational efficiency,” stated Evans, who is also a Town of Jonesboro Town Council member.
The Jackson Parish native, who graduated from Jonesboro-Hodge High School in 1992, received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Phoenix in 2014 and her Master’s Degree in Business Administration from LSU in 2023.
“We are excited to have Nia join our team as we feel she will do a tremendous job for the Police Jury and our parish,” said JPPJ President Todd Culpepper.
The 1B All-District team in baseball has been released with LHSAA Division V state champion, Quitman High School, and district 1B title holder, Weston High School garnering the lion share of placements.
All district selections are chosen by the district 1B coaches from Quitman, Weston, Doyline and Castor. Each coach puts up nominees for the elite team but can’t vote for a player from their own team. All-District team representatives are chosen from statistics presented from only the district games played.
Tait Henderson of Weston High School earned district 1B MVP honors after batting .600 in district play and winning two games as a pitcher. Additional local first team selections were Logan Ponder, Kace West, Hudson Pullig and Riley Duck from Quitman High and Cooper Delaney, Cole Tolar, Drew Browning, Braden Theriot, Colton Blundell, and Bryce Zehr from Weston High.
Local players earning designation as Honorable Mention was Ian Tilley, who was named MVP of the LHSAA state championship, John Raegan Hasley, and Pete Simonelli from Quitman along with Tayt Culpepper and Layton Garrett from Weston.
The 4th annual, Paula Jones Williams Memorial Scholarship was presented on May 16th with three very deserving Jonesboro-Hodge High School seniors being selected to received $1000.00 each. Being chosen as recipients were Jerriona Leonard, Gavin Gilmore, and Amelia Magee.
“We are very happy that for the first time that we were able to give the scholarship to three deserving graduates,” said Clay Williams. “My family and I would like to congratulate the winners. We had several very deserving applicants and the choice was very difficult.”
The scholarship, which was established in 2021 is in memory of Paula Jones Williams, who was a Jonesboro-Hodge High School graduate and beloved educator in the Jonesboro-Hodge Schools for 34 years.
Bryan “Peanut” Lay made it official this past Friday that he would be continuing his sky bound sports specialty that he has mastered while at Quitman High School, otherwise known as pole vaulting, at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches.
With mother, Michelle, and father, Thomas, by his side and in front of a large audience of QHS administration, faculty, teammates, students, friends and family, Lay signed scholarship papers on Friday, May 17th in the Wolverine gymnasium.
“I am really excited to be going to Northwestern,” said Lay when asked why NSU over others suitors. “I really feel that the coaches have my best interest at heart, not just as a member of the track team but also as a person.”
Lay will enter NSU in the fall as the top rated pole vaulter in the state of Louisiana. His resume also included three consecutive Class B outdoor pole vaulting championships and the 2024 LHSAA Indoor Track Championship.
After tying the Jackson Parish all-time record height achieved of 12′ 6″, a mark that had stood for 60 years, Lay routinely started to set new school and parish records. First came the clearance of 13′ toward the end of 2023 setting the stage for one of the more astounding 30 day periods seen in high school sports in the state of Louisiana.
First, came the 13’9″ vault at the LSU High School Qualifier Indoor Meet on January 20th. This was followed by clearing 14 feet at the McNeese Indoor the next week followed by soaring to remarkable 14′ 10″ at the LSU Last Chance Qualifier on February 3rd. Back at the Carl Maddox Fieldhouse on the campus of LSU in Baton Rouge the the following week, his 14′ 6″ vault earned Lay the first ever LHSAA state indoor championship in Jackson Parish history.
Additional accolades garnered by Lay during the course of the spring included being awarded the prestigious honors of being named the LA Milesplit Athlete of the Week and Athlete of the Year.
Texas Dow Employees Credit Union (TDECU), Houston’s largest not-for-profit credit union, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Sabine State Bank and Trust Company, a commercial bank headquartered in Many, LA with more than $1.2 billion in assets.
The combined entity is expected to provide access to a broad variety of lending products to all communities served by TDECU and will expand TDECU’s presence in lending to small business owners in oil and gas, agriculture, and energy.
At closing, the combined institution will be expected to have approximately $6 billion in assets and 471,000 members. The acquisition will expand the field of membership for TDECU, which has a significant presence in Greater Houston, and a growing presence in the Dallas, Fort Worth and Victoria areas.
“TDECU is on a growth journey to expand across the state of Texas and beyond,” said President & CEO Isaac Johnson. “Our mission is helping people navigate their financial journeys, and be financial solvers for our Members’ everyday needs. This acquisition extends our reach to more communities, diversifies our commercial portfolio, and makes our balance sheet even stronger. If our balance sheet is stronger that will enable TDECU to continue to deliver and do more for our existing Members. Together, we will strengthen ties with our membership, partners, and local communities”
A strong performing commercial bank
Founded more than 120 years ago, Sabine has a footprint of 51 branches across Louisiana and east Texas, including one in Jonesboro. It specializes in commercial loans with industry concentration in oil and gas, forestry, timber and agriculture, and has many long-standing depository relationships.
“We are excited to become a part of the TDECU family and we share their commitment to strengthening our communities and empowering our customers to build better financial futures,” said Lee H. McCann, President and CEO of Sabine. “Our customers can rest assured that they will continue to experience the best-in-class service they count on from us. Best of all, that service will be enhanced with an even wider array of financial products to help them better secure their futures.”
Strengthening the credit union movement
TDECU has a healthy balance sheet that is focused on consumer deposits and lower-risk investment strategies. Sabine’s strong commercial operations will further diversify the credit union’s loan concentration and support TDECU’s overall growth strategy, bolstering stability and resiliency to provide compelling service offerings to its Members during economic and market fluctuations. The transaction is anticipated to be completed early 2025, subject to receiving all required regulatory and shareholder approvals and satisfying all other closing conditions. TDECU members and Sabine customers should continue to conduct their business as usual until the closing.
QHS Principal, Billy Carter (l) with Doug Shurling (r)
Quitman High School held it’s annual athletic banquet this past Friday evening where the most productive sports year in school history was celebrated. Included in the festivities was the unveiling of a taxidermist prepared image of a Wolverine that was presented to the school by former Jackson Parish resident Doug Shurling in honor of Tucker Wallis, the young QHS student who tragically lost his life in the summer of 2021.
“Thank you, Doug Shurling, for your gift to Quitman High School in memory of Tucker Wallis. We will cherish your generosity and thoughtfulness for years to come,” said QHS Principal Billy Carter.
Weston Junior High School recently held tryouts for the 2024-25 baseball team with 14 players earning a spot on the team. Representing the Junior High Wolves will be:
Leyton Younse Colt Guyotte Bryce Tolar Eli Henderson Colton Otwell Jenson Waggoner Lukas Bandy Hunter Green Grant Griffin Eli Jones Kain Stassen Hunter Williams James Lewis Remington Davis
It was a special day on May 17th at the Jackson Parish Council on Aging (JPCOA), Robert Riddle Senior Center in Jonesboro, as a new keyboard was dedicated to the memory of Mr. John Townley.
With wife Bonnie on hand along with family members, Drew Cruse, grandson of John Townley, placed the memory plague on the keyboard. As part of the celebration, Charlie Thomas played several of John’s favorite songs to the crowds enjoyment.
The administration and staff of the JPCOA would like to thank the Townley family for their generous donation.
Older American Month Celebrated by JPCOA
Older American Month was recognized this past week with a spotlight being shined on the Senior Center ‘s most seasoned members, aged 90 & over above, for their energetic involvement.
Being honored was Mr. Esther Knox, Mrs. Julia Martin, Mrs. Flossie Blackburn, Mr. Hank Lowery, Mr. Jimmy Springfield, Mr. Billy Peters & (Chatham member) Mr. Maurice Stuckey.
Seniors had a beautiful surprise as Jonesboro Hodge High School Band kicked off the celebration at Senior Center. Seniors enjoyed the fun day with fish & shrimp cooked by Avery Seafood in Minden & winning wonderful door prizes donated by several businesses.
The administration would like to thank Jonesboro State bank, Jackson Parish Bank, Barksdale Federal Credit Union, Catfish Inn, Jay Mallard Ford, Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home, The Tattered Rose, JoJo’s Wash World, Always Eva Flowers, Kaye’s Designs, Ezra Smith Garage, Salty Brahma, Parker Paper, Miriam’s Furniture, Amy Tippen, Auto Zone, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Napa (Winnfield) Pardue Builders & United Homecare for their generosity.
Being honored was Mr. Esther Knox, Mrs. Julia Martin, Mrs. Flossie Blackburn, Mr. Hank Lowery, Mr. Jimmy Springfield, Mr. Billy Peters & (Chatham member) Mr. Maurice Stuckey.
90 Years Old and Older (l-r) Esther Knox, Julia Martin, Flossie Blackburn, Hank Lowery, Billy Peters & Maurice Stuckey
The Quitman High School softball team held it’s annual fundraising golf tournament on Saturday at the Jackson Parish Golf Course. Winning the championship flight with a score of nine under par, 63, in the 18 hole two man scramble event was the team of Alex Roebuck and Riley Hnatyshyn who won in a scorecard playoff over Peyton Mitchell and Brad Porter.
Winners of the first flight was D.J. Harrel and Zach Alexander with Clay and Jimbo Harris coming in second. Second flight winner was Ritchie Tolar and Aiden Vo who won in a scorecard playoff over Richie Stewart and Josh Smith.
QHS head softball coach Justin Dodson would like to thank all the competitors and sponsors for their support and helping make the tournament a success.
On Tuesday, May 14, the District Elementary Student of the Year, Brady Malone, and 24-25 Prospective Candidates, Lainey Elmore and Autumn Kohler, attended a field trip to the Old State Capitol and the State Capitol in Baton Rouge alongside Monroe City Schools. The students toured both capitols including viewing the House and Senate Session Floors and were publicly recognized by Senator Katrina Jackson.
“We are very grateful for our partnership with United Way/Ready 4 Service. The purpose of Ready 4 Service is to provide students with opportunities and exposure to better excel in student-of-the-year panel interviews. The year-long partnership began with tours to Grambling State University, the Town Hall of Jonesboro, and multiple Zoom sessions on “Community Conversation” topics. Our students have gained a deeper knowledge of Louisiana’s history, legislation and its powers, community issues/solutions, communication skills, and most importantly self-confidence. We look forward to partnering with United Way next year”-Ms. Copeland, Principal.
In the shadows of our communities, a silent epidemic continues to ravage lives and undermine well-being: the intertwined challenges of mental health and domestic violence.
Recent studies and reports have shed light on the profound impact of these issues, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive support and intervention. Mental health struggles often lurk behind closed doors, camouflaged by smiles and societal expectations. However, the toll they take is profound, affecting individuals, families, and entire communities.
The World Health Organization estimates that one in four people worldwide will experience mental health issues at some point in their lives, yet stigma and inadequate resources often leave these individuals suffering in silence.
Domestic violence, encompassing physical, emotional, and psychological abuse, is a grim reality for millions globally. What’s often overlooked is the intricate relationship between mental health and domestic violence. Survivors frequently experience long-term mental health consequences, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety disorders. These effects can persist for years, compounding the challenges of recovery and healing.
Individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions are at a higher risk of experiencing domestic violence. Abusers may exploit vulnerabilities, manipulate perceptions, and isolate victims, exacerbating their mental health struggles. This cycle of abuse and trauma can be particularly insidious, trapping individuals in a web of fear and despair.
Addressing the nexus of mental health and domestic violence requires a multi-faceted approach. First and foremost, we must prioritize destigmatizing mental health conversations, promoting access to quality care, and fostering supportive communities where individuals feel safe seeking help.
Additionally, interventions targeting domestic violence must integrate mental health screenings and tailored support services. This holistic approach acknowledges the complex interplay between psychological well-being and experiences of abuse, offering survivors a pathway to recovery that addresses their unique needs.
At a broader level, community engagement and policy initiatives are crucial in combating these intertwined challenges. This includes funding for mental health services, training for frontline responders, and advocacy for legislation that protects survivors and holds perpetrators accountable.
Education also plays a pivotal role. By raising awareness about the signs of domestic violence, promoting healthy relationship dynamics, and teaching coping strategies for mental health challenges, we empower individuals to recognize red flags, seek assistance, and break the cycle of violence.
The devastating impacts of mental health issues and domestic violence cannot be overstated. They tear at the fabric of our society, eroding well-being, and hindering progress. Yet, amidst these challenges, there is hope. Through collective action, compassionate support, and unwavering advocacy, we can create a future where mental health is prioritized, and every individual lives free from the shadow of domestic violence.
As we navigate these complex issues, let us remember that each voice raised, each hand extended in support, brings us closer to a world where mental health is nurtured, and homes are havens of safety and love.
Andrea Malone, Jackson Parish DART Rural Advocate 208 Hudson Ave. Jonesboro, LA 71251 318-395-8006
The Weston High School, Multi-Handicapped Special Education Classroom was awarded a Jonesboro State Bank Pledge 10 grant to complete the school’s sensory room. This grant helped to create an environment where students of all ages were able to calm down and reset so that they could be successful both academically and socially this school year. Thanks to JSB Pledge 10 as this grant truly made a difference in the lives of many students and helped them to achieve major accomplishments.
The administration and staff of the Jackson Parish Library is pleased to announce that the annual Summer Reading Program will begin on May 28th and run until July 19th. The goal is to help kids develop great reading habits through the summer months to help them prepare for school in the fall.
Whether or not they continue it later in life, kids – virtually all kids – want to have the opportunity to catch a fish. They may lose interest soon after the initial experience but the desire to watch a bobber go under and to feel the tug on the line is something inborn in youngsters.
Daughter, Melissa, is now a grown-up, married with three daughters of her own. However, she still mentions the fun she had when as a little tyke, her grandparents helped her bait a hook and fish for bream at their lakeside home on D’Arbonne. Today if given the opportunity, Melissa still likes to feel the pulsating fight of a fish on her line.
In years past, I have had the opportunity of fishing with my grandchildren. It has been enjoyable to me to watch Kayla’s four struggling with a bream or bass on the line. Watching their eyes as they fought a fish, there was no doubt that they were having a genuine good time.
I remember once taking Cathy’s two girls on a fishing trip to Lincoln Parish Park Lake. It is debatable as to who had the most fun; the girls or me.
It all started when plans were made for the girls, their brother, Billy, and parents to drive up for a visit with us. Cathy had already told me what the girls wanted to do once they got here. Tops on the list was for “papaw to take them fishing”.
The second day of their visit, son-in-law, Bill, and I drove into the Lincoln Parish Park with the kids. Billy’s interest was more in swimming so while Bill watched over Billy at the swimming hole in the lake, I took then seven year old Callie and five year old Catelyn with me where we set up shop on one of the piers at the lake. Glancing into the water next to the pier, there was no doubt that I’d soon be busy baiting hooks and taking off fish; the shallows teemed with small bluegills looking for a hand-out.
They caught fish. In fact, they caught them so fast I scarcely had time to skewer a worm on a hook for one granddaughter before the other yelled, “Papaw; I got another one!” After an hour of furious activity, the girls were ready to join Billy at the swimming hole. I let them each keep six to take home and show their mom. Then they insisted I clean the fish to add to the fish fry I had planned for the family that evening.
There was something especially gratifying as I watched them watching me clean their catch. There were questions…
”Papaw, what is that yucky stuff?
Fish guts.
“Papaw, they sure have a lot of bones. Will they hurt me?”
No, I’ll pick ‘em out for you.
“Papaw, what do little fish taste like?”
Just like big fish, only better.
I fried up their catch first and after they’d cooled, I offered both girls the first bite traditionally taken on a fried bream; the tail. They were reluctant at first until I demonstrated how to nip the tail with one bite. “Like eating a potato chip”, I told them.
They tried it, and liked it, wanting more.
Next, I showed the girls how to “unzip” a bream by taking out the fins and pulling the two halves apart. Then I separated the tiny lump of meat from the bones, watched them dip the bites in ketchup and take a bite.
“M-m-m-m…that’s good, Papaw.”
The fact that they were eating fish they’d caught themselves seemed to bring the experience full circle for the two girls.
The experience left me fulfilled and content that I had helped my two granddaughters engage in a wholesome activity, and I did it in such a way that they wanted more.
They had fun both at the fishing hole, but as we drove away, I knew that the next time they come for a visit, one of the first things they’re going to say to me is, “Papaw, can we go fishing?”
”Granddaughter Catelyn shows off one of the fish she caught.” – Glynn Harris photo
FISHING REPORT
CANEY LAKE – Big chinquapins are on the beds and some real good fish are being caught on small crawfish, worms and crickets. Some bass are still on the beds while most have moved out to secondary points. Wacky Worms, Sinko, Bandits and spinners are taking the most fish. Crappie are best fishing jigs or shiners around submerged tops in 12 foot water. For information contact Caney Lake Landing at 259-6649, Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707. BLACK BAYOU – Bream are bedded and biting crickets and worms around the trees. Crappie are around the trees and are fair on shiners and jigs. Bass are fair on spinners, Chatter baits and crank baits Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information. BUSSEY BRAKE – Bass have about done spawning and have moved off the banks. Best lures are creature baits. Some big crappie are being caught on the flats on shiners and jigs. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole at 323-8707. OUACHITA RIVER – The water is still high. Bream are beginning to bed in the backwaters. Bass are fair in the backwater on spinners; no report on crappie. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707. LAKE D’ARBONNE – Crappie are good with most having completed the spawn and they have moved out of the shallows on the flats and are hitting shiners and jigs fished 6-8 feet deep in 12-14 foot water. Some bass are still spawning in the shallows with soft plastics and creature baits picking up some nice fish with the frog bite just beginning. Bream are on the beds and taking crickets or worms. Catfishing is improving fishing cold worms off the banks. For latest information, call Anderson Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707. LAKE CLAIBORNE – Crappie are starting to move out to 12 foot water and are hitting mostly shiners. Bass are best fishing Carolina rigs, spinners and jerk baits around the docks. Stripers are beginning to school and hitting shad imitation lures. Bream are on the beds and worms and crickets are working on them. Catfishing has been good on night crawlers fished on noodles with some nice fish to 12-14 pounds caught. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498. LAKE POVERTY POINT – Catfishing is good and the bream are on the beds. Crappie and bass are fair. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318/878-0101. LAKE YUCATAN – The water is rising again and the road is under water to the landing. No fishing reports this week. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.
To have your Business Services, Job Opportunities, Items for sale, Wanted to Buy and Public / Legal Notices published – send an email to: jpjjacksonla@gmail.com. Possible costs are dependent on content.
JOB OPPORTUNITY
The Jackson Parish Council on Aging is seeking part-time help for Nutrition Site Aid in Chatham, LA. A high school education is required and interested parties should expect to work four (4) hours a day, Monday – Friday while providing an exceptional attitude to senior citizens. Applications will be taken at the JPCOA office at 120 Polk Avenue in Jonesboro.
SHERIFF’S SALE
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION # 37375 PARISH OF JACKSON STATE OF LOUISIANA
DUSTYNE C MOBLEY
By virtue of a Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the Honorable Second Judicial District Court, Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana, and to me directed, I have seized and taken into my possession and will offer for sale for cash at the JACKSON PARISH SHERIFF OFFICE, 150 OLD WINNFIELD RD., Jonesboro, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 29th day of May, 2024. Between the hours governing judicial sales, the following property to wit:
2020 CHEVROLET TAHOE BEARING VIN: 1GNSCBKC6LR131959
Seized as the property of the above named defendant and will be sold to satisfy said Writ and all cost, sale to be made for cash WITH the benefit of appraisal.
Juliette “Judy” Saint Pardue April 11, 1939 – May 16, 2024
Mrs. Juliette “Judy” Saint Purdue, age 85 of Jonesboro, Louisiana passed away peacefully on May 16, 2024. Judy was born in Choudrant, Louisiana on April 11, 1939. She is preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Nettie Saint; loving husband of 61 years, Larry Pardue; and son in law, Stephen Morgan.
Judy is survived by her 5 children Tamera Morgan (Geary Phillips), Lauri Brown (Scott), Susie Nomey, Larry Pardue Jr. (Samantha), Joey Pardue (Kori), plus 2 bonus children Troy Johnston and Wendy Davis, all of Jonesboro. One sister, Lila Cartwright of Hodge. 10 grandchildren (Angela Morgan, Shane Morgan, Richie Nomey, Juliann Pullig, Dusty Nomey, Amanda Brown, Victoria Pardue, Elizabeth Kate Pardue, Larry Pardue III, and Katherine Pardue). 5 great grandchildren (Payton Nomey, Hudson Pullig, Hallie Kate Pullig, Parker Nomey, and Cruz Nomey). Plus one bonus grandchild, Brock Henderson.
Judy truly had a servants heart. She loved to serve her family, church, and community. Often times you would find her serving meals to church congregants, volunteering at community events, serving on mission trips, and checking on those in need within the church and community.
She and her husband Larry also cofounded Pardue and Quarles in 1969 alongside John Ed and Max Quarles. There she would work in book keeping. She was a proud member of First Baptist Church of Jonesboro. She was also a life long New Orleans Saints fan. She has been a fan through the many bad years as well as the good.
She loved her family dearly. Her life revolved around making sure her kids and grandkids were fed and spoiled. Every Christmas and birthday, she would make sure everyone had something extravagant to open as well as plenty of food and candy to eat. Often times she wouldn’t even need an occasion to give. If Nana was asked, it was given. She never missed an opportunity to tell her family she loved them.
Judy’s latter years were spent in the care of Forest Haven Nursing Home. There she received care and love from so many nurses and aides who became like family. She loved everyone who walked through her door.
A “Celebration of Life” service will be held at 2:00pm on Sunday, May 19th at the First Baptist Church in Jonesboro. Interment will follow in the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Jonesboro under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church His Hands Ministry or the charity of your choice.
(Hodge) – On Sunday, May 12, 2024, shortly after 7:00 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop F began investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash on LA 542 west of LA 813. The crash claimed the life of 38-year-old Renalda Harland of Chatham.
The initial investigation revealed that a 2022 Honda Accord, driven by Harland, was traveling east on LA 542. For reasons still under investigation, the Honda struck a tree that had fallen across both lanes of LA 542.
Harland, who was properly restrained, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Two juvenile passengers, who were both properly restrained, received moderate injuries and were transported to an area hospital for treatment. Routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
Troopers wish to remind motorists to always make good decisions while in a motor vehicle. Never drive impaired, fatigued, or distracted. Follow all traffic laws and always ensure that every occupant is properly restrained. While not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions such as these can often mean the difference between life and death.
In 2024, Troop F has investigated 15 fatal crashes, resulting in 16 deaths.
From 9:00 am – 12:00 pm the Town of Jonesboro, along with Pine Belt Multi-Purpose, Community Action Partnership, Jonesboro State Bank, and the Louisiana Dept. of Health, will host the Stepping into Summer Health and Wellness event.
The event will take place along the Louisiana Civil Rights Trail at the Deacon’s of Defense Park, located at 135 Richard Zuber Thruway (Hwy 167) in Jonesboro.
Step into Summer with a walk/run and a day full of services, information and fun! While there visit with LDH Office of Public Health and Medicaid vendors, local medical offices, enjoy physical activities and take part in a scavenger hunt. Also enjoy the free food and much more.
Bryan “Peanut” Lay, the most decorated male athlete in Quitman High School and Jackson Parish track and field history will make official his intent to continue his track and field career in the pole vault with Northwestern State University on Friday, May 17th. The signing will take place in the Quitman High School gymnasium.
Lay will continue to soar skyward in the attempt to achieve new heights after setting a new school and parish record of 14′ 10″ in the pole vault event, shattering the previous record coming into this year of 13′ 6″ which he set last year.
“Peanut” as he is called by his friends, ends his high school career as current three time outdoor LHSAA Class B state champion and 2024 LHSAA Indoor State Champion as well being ranked the #1 high school pole vaulter in the state.
With every practice and with every game, their little black hats with the orange oriole on the fronts got a little nastier, a little older, a little more broken in, a little more grown up.
First a film of dusty beige from the opener, the game against the team in the dark blue jerseys. Infield dirt from the game against the Maroon Team. More from the game against the Greens. And the best dirt of all, the dirt that came from playing the feared Red Team, the ’27 Yankees of the 7-and-8-year-olds Coach Pitch B League.
Some hats were wet from Icees and sweat. Some were sticky, too, but not from resin or pine tar: from candy.
They were great hats.
I had never coached people this little. They’d never played anything but T-ball. So there were awkward moments, like at the first practice.
“When you play catcher, you’ll be required to wear an athletic cup.”
Puzzled looks. I was the teacher and had just introduced long division.
“Ask your parents,” I said. A good coach knows how to delegate responsibility.
Second practice: No one wanted to play catcher.
That second practice was probably our most important one of the season. The reason: each guy made up his own nickname.
The Bruiser. The Heat. Rookie. Rocket. Hotball. Fastball. The Smacker. The Blur, later changed to The Flash because, well, ballplayers will just do that sometimes. It’s a “feel” thing. You don’t ask.
Other nicknames were more mysterious. Top Catch. Dragonman. Hammerhead. The Point. Their meanings were known only to God, to administrators at the highest level of the Little League organization, and to the boys who proudly wore the nicknames in white letters pressed on the sleeves of their orange jerseys.
Those jerseys. Some wore them game day or not, along with white baseball pants and cap. Every weekday morning since the season started, I felt I was dropping my son off at a Catholic baseball school.
There were moments. The classic run-it-in from right field instead of throw it. Orioles seeing who could throw his glove the highest — during a game. An outfielder lying down in the inviting right field grass while a batter, no enemy of his, dug in. The evening Hammerhead looked at me after I struck him out on a pitch three feet outside and said politely on his way back to the dugout, his bat on his fragile shoulder, his helmet swallowing his head, “That wasn’t a very good pitch, sir.”
Heart sinkage.
Aside from the occasional whiff, we ended up being pretty good. And we seemed to have fun: We high-fived all the time and showed up looking sharp and practiced hard and played hard, and even though we weren’t supposed to keep score, I could see them over there in the dugout counting on their little fingers. We made some errors but we hit some homers, too, some frozen ropes, some shots. We ran the bases and we slide and we crossed home, and we never met a snack we didn’t like.
Dirty hats. The rhythmic smacking of gum around the diamond. Those swings from the heels, the swings of boys with big dreams.
And now it’s over. Just that quickly. We break for fishing and card-playing and a few public appearances, all the things ballplayers do in the long and lonely off-season.
We’ll gather again in the spring, and they’ll be fine boys, I’m sure, and it will be fun, but it won’t be the exact same group. It won’t be the exact same ’97 Orioles.
They gave me a spring to bronze and fold up and stick in my pocket and remember. And to them my hat, much older and (sad to say) much cleaner than theirs, is forever off.
One of the most successful sports year in the history of Jackson Parish, will be celebrated this Friday, May 17th when Quitman High School holds their annual athletic banquet. The event will begin at at 6:00 pm in the QHS auditorium.
Come and enjoy seeing the members of the state championship softball, baseball, and golf teams get recognized as well as individual state track and field champions and participants in the other school athletic programs.
A cartoon character will be in the middle of an ethical conundrum. The cartoonist will picture an angel on one shoulder and a demon on the other. Both are vying for attention and to direct the future behavior of the character. Have you felt that your bad side is trying to convince your good side to do something? We preachers talk about this matter as a paradox or as one author put it, “human polarity in Biblical perspective.”
I had a preacher friend who described it as “people who are too bad to be good and too good to be bad.” The Apostle Paul wrote, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.” That is one of the super-saints of the church describing his inner struggle and he was an Apostle!
We all have struggles with good and bad behavior, with doing what is good and doing that which is wrong. You don’t have to ponder the great truth of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden; you simply need to tell a toddler not to do something and watch what happens next. The Bible portrays us as saints and sinners simultaneously. The good news is that Jesus loves sinners, and He also loves saints. You can’t lose with the radical grace of the cross. Are you getting this, Jesus loves you and there is nothing you can do to change that.
I have arrived at my point now. If you are struggling with good and bad, right and wrong, being a saint and a sinner, do you suppose that person who so aggravated you this morning might also be struggling? The truth is all people are incredibly broken and beautiful simultaneously. Out of our acknowledged brokenness grows our unique beauty. Are we seeing others as Jesus sees them?
Are we treating others as Jesus would treat them? Remember that Jesus said, “As you did it to one of the least of these, you did it unto Me.”
Jonesboro-Hodge High School is pleased to introduce the young ladies who will make up the “Tigers Paws” for the 2024-25 school year. Earning the opportunity to represent JHHS at athletic and school events is Rumlya Bester, Oddyssey Brooks, Teairra Burns, Miharia Cooper, Adrianna Foy, Victoria Leonard, Jadion Venzant and Ra’Naijay Wyatt. The Sponsor/Coad for the Tigers Paws is Yuorntia Belton.
Mrs. Juliette “Judy” Saint Purdue, age 85 of Jonesboro, Louisiana passed away peacefully on May 16, 2024. Judy was born in Choudrant, Louisiana on April 11, 1939. She is preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Nettie Saint; loving husband of 61 years, Larry Pardue; and son in law, Stephen Morgan.
